ABU DHABI: The appointment of Sarawak-owned utility company, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) as a global patron of the World Energy Council (WEC) is a testament to the world’s recognition of the region’s efficient management of its renewable energy resources.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg highlighted that in addition to having access to renewable energy sources, good governance in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has bolstered global confidence in Sarawak’s energy management efforts.

“We are fortunate that they have placed their confidence in us by appointing SEB as a patron of WEC.

“This is significant. It means the world acknowledges Sarawak’s approach to energy management, how we produce energy, and the long-term role that Sarawak and Malaysia will play in the new energy transition,” he said.

He said this in an exclusive interview with UKAS and TVS after participating as a panelist in a focus discussion at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2024 held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on Wednesday. 

SEB was officially appointed as a WEC patron on March 29 this year, making it the first company from Southeast Asia to join the ranks of patrons from across America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

As part of this agreement, SEB, one of Southeast Asia’s major hydropower developers, will support WEC’s efforts to drive global energy transition.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier stated that Sarawak’s aggressive involvement in the renewable energy sector will further expand the region’s economic resources.

He explained that it would attract investors to Sarawak as they will have confidence in the region’s reliable energy supply.

“When this happens, it will serve as a prerequisite for investors to come to Sarawak and operate here.

“This, in turn, will create new job opportunities and generate additional income,” he added.

Accompanying the Sarawak Premier were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni,  Chairman of SEB, Dato Ibrahim Baki, and other senior Sarawak government officials. -UKASnews